Community assets boost for Argyll islands following support from Scottish Land Fund

Projects on Colonsay and Islay have received a total of £324,000 in the latest round of grants from the Scottish Land Fund.

Colonsay Community Development Company has received £214,000 in order to purchase a Baptist manse in Upper Kilchattan so that they can develop it as short-term accommodation for families and key workers.

And South Islay Development has been given £110,200 to buy Port Ellen Playing Fields, which they plan to upgrade into an activity park with an adjacent campsite.

Rosalind Jewell, Project Co-ordinator, Colonsay Community Development Company, said: “It is vitally important that fragile communities such as ours look towards being sustainable without the need for external funding. The only way to secure this is to manage assets, which can generate long-term income for the community and provide jobs and housing. This funding from the Scottish Land Fund has helped the Development Company to secure such an asset and is a huge boost for the community.”

And Alyson MacGillivray, Local Development Officer, South Islay Development, said: “We at SID are delighted to hear that the community of south Islay, after a challenging process, will soon become the official owners of the Port Ellen Playing Fields in the middle of Port Ellen. The community, with assistance and guidance by South Islay Development, are looking forward to developing this historic outdoor space for future generations.”

Minister, Cabinet Secretary for Land Reform Roseanna Cunningham, said:   “The COVID-19 pandemic has been an unprecedented global crisis which has fundamentally changed every aspect of our lives, and will do so for some time to come. Communities across the country, whilst impacted in so many ways by the lockdown, are playing a vital role in responding to the crisis and maintaining our resilience, our sense of spirit and local support network.

  “As we plan our recovery from COVID-19, we have a chance to re-imagine the Scotland around us, and to begin building a greener, fairer and more equal society and economy. Communities must be right at the heart of this process, and the funding announced today will support a wide range of projects to achieve just this, driving long-lasting benefits and empowerment to local communities.”  

The Scottish Land Fund is today awarding £3,669,762 to 16 projects. John Watt, Scottish Land Fund Committee Chair, said: “The Scottish Land Fund supports a wide range of urban and rural projects across Scotland. This particular round of funding has given a boost to communities in some of Scotland’s most remote and island locations, including larger tracts of land in Dumfries & Galloway and the Borders, allowing communities to take control of the resources that surround them and make local decisions about how these are used.” 

Sandra Holmes, Head of Community Assets at HIE, said: “The successful projects announced today are all great examples of people taking control of local resources for the long-term benefit of their communities. Kyleakin Connections will purchase their rented premises, providing security and enabling an expansion to accommodate wider community use and Colonsay Community Development Company will be able to purchase property to develop into much needed temporary accommodation for key workers and families. Ownership will give these communities greater control over important assets and will help ensure its long-term future. We wish all the successful groups the very best in their new ventures.”

Other projects receiving Scottish Land Fund cash are:

Newcastleton & District Community Trust

Award - £850,000

This money will allow NDCT in its bid to purchase 750 acres of Langholm Moor, part of the Tarras Water and Holm Hill estate, in order to develop new leisure facilities and renewable assets.

Dunnet Forestry Trust

Award - £45,950

Dunnet Forestry Trust plans to purchase 260 acres of forest, which it currently manages on behalf of Scottish Natural Heritage, in order to add to a successful wood fuel and wood products business by developing a community amenity for the Dunnet area.

The Langholm Initiative

Award - £1,000,000

This money will go towards plans by the Langholm Initiative to turn a large area of Langholm Moor in Dumfries & Galloway into a community-owned nature reserve where Hen harriers, one of the country’s most threatened birds, can thrive.

The Ballantrae Trust

Award - £262,493

This grant will allow Ballantrae Trust to purchase the Kings Arms Hotel in order to run it as a community-led social enterprise, offering flexible spaces for locals and visitors.

Shapinsay Development Trust

Award - £237,125

With this award, SDT will purchase two properties, which they plan to develop as affordable, rented housing for residents on the island.

Stronsay Development Trust

Award - £130,790

By using this award to purchase a three-bedroom property, SDT will be able to provide affordable housing on the island.

Kyleakin Connections (formerly Skye and Lochalsh Association for Disability)

Award - £24,580

This funding will enable Kyleakin Connections, which provides a day centre for adults with learning difficulties, to purchase its current home in the Old School House, Kyleakin from Highland Council so that it can expand and develop the premises.

Cliftonville & Coatdyke Community Group

Award - £190,690

Using this grant, CCCG will acquire Coatbridge Indoor Bowling Stadium in order to renovate and extend in order to better meet the needs of the community.

Dornoch Area Community Interest Company (DACIC)

Award - £216,411

This project by the Dornoch Area Community Interest Company will acquire the former abattoir site in the heart of Dornoch in order to establish community facilities, including a community centre with curling barn, car parking, games area and a golf driving range.

Strathglass and Affric Community Company

Award - £38,588

Strathglass and Affric Community Company (SACC) intend to purchase a former nurse's home in Cannich and develop it into two homes for social rent.

All Roads lead to Whithorn Trust

Award- £110,635

This group will purchase the former Grapes Hotel in Whithorn, Dumfries and Galloway to convert it into affordable rented housing.

Friends of Dundonald Castle

Award – £29,000

With this grant FoDC aims to acquire Dundonald Castle Visitor Centre, which it currently operates, from South Ayrshire Council and develop it to provide a new community facility.

North Ronaldsay Trust

Award - £159,400

The Trust will use the award to acquire a house, garage with a workshop, shop, outbuildings and eight acres of agricultural land in order to convert them into a community facility, enterprise hub, commercial unit and affordable housing.

The Ridge SCIO

Award - £49,900

With this grant The Ridge SCIO will purchase land and buildings at Black Bull Close, Dunbar to develop a space for community service, including training, volunteering and gardening.